Friday, 28 February 2014

I'm publishing below a comment which was posted on my previous posting 'What is different now Your Honour?' in relation to a Court of Appeal decision a few days ago.

The comment by Jermaine Santiago certainly sheds more light into the widely discussed issue pertaining the impartiality of the learned Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Datuk Mohammad Ariff in the case involving TV3 and Pas leader Nizar Jamaludin.

"TV3 should file a motion to the Court of Appeal to impugn the court’s decision of Feb 25, 2014 in the Nizar Jamaludin vs TV3 case.

This is because there is enough evidence to prove that the leader of the three-men bench Justice Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof was biased. Mohamad Ariff should have recused himself from hearing the case, but didn’t.

Here are the reasons why TV3 has a solid case:

1. Mohamad Ariff failed/refused to declare to parties concerned at the beginning of the appeal case that he was/still is a PAS member.2. He was formerly the Legal Advisor for PAS3. He enjoyed a working relationship with the plaintiff as they were both comrades in PAS.4. Both Mohamad Ariff and Nizar contested in the 2004 General Election as PAS candidates.5. Four years ago, Mohamad Ariff, then Judicial Commissioner recused himself from hearing the judicial review filed by former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin challenging the validity of his successor Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir’s appointment. He conveniently forgot to recuse himself this time.6. As a leader of the three-men bench, he could influence the decision of the other two judges ((see OPINIONS OF THE LORDS IN THE PINOCHET EXTRADITION CASE INVOLVING LORD HOFFMAN)7. He failed to carry out his duty without fear or favour in accordance to the oath he took as a judge.

This is going to be an explosive case." - Jermaine Santiago

The fact that the learned judge had, less than 10 years ago, stood as a PAS election candidate is good enough a reason for him to stay away/out from the above court case. Don't you think so?

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

NOW

Court finds TV3 guilty of defaming Nizar

FEBRUARY 25, 2014

The Court of Appeal here today ruled that TV3 is liable for defaming former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin over his tweets on the WWW1 vehicle registration number which the Sultan of Johor successfully won in a bid. File pic of Nizar and his wife Fatimah Taat outside the Federal Court in Putrajaya. — AFP picPUTRAJAYA, Feb 25 — The Court of Appeal here today ruled that TV3 is liable for defaming former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin over his tweets on the WWW1 vehicle registration number which the Sultan of Johor successfully won in a bid.

A three-member panel chaired by Justice Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof unanimously allowed Mohammad Nizar’s appeal to set aside the decision of the High Court, which had dismissed his (Mohammad Nizar’s) RM50 million defamation suit against TV3.

Justice Ariff subsequently remitted the case back to the High Court for assessment of damages.

In his ruling, Justice Ariff said TV3 had failed to establish the defence of justification.

He said there was malice in the report by the TV station, adding that TV3 also failed to prove that its report was true or partially true.

“The court is of the view that the High Court’s decision cannot be sustained and is hereby set aside,” said Justice Ariff, who presided on the panel with Justices Datuk David Wong Dak Wah and Datuk Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim. - MMail

THEN

Thursday February 26, 2009

JC opts out of Nizar suit

KUALA LUMPUR: Judicial Com­missioner Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof has recused himself from hearing the judicial review filed by former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin challenging the validity of his successor’s appointment, saying he made the decision based on the principles of justice.

“The primary concern must be that justice must manifestly be seen to be done,” he said.

He said his decision was not an outcome or a reaction against adverse comments on blogsites or certain sections of the mainstream media.

“It will be a sorry day for the judiciary if a judge’s conduct has to be conditioned by these extraneous factors, since they will fetter the independence of the judiciary unduly,” he said.

Last week, Justice Mohamad Ariff told the parties concerned that he was considering recusing himself from the case due to his previous active involvement as an adviser and counsel for PAS and PKR in a number of matters.

The judge revealed in court yesterday that he had been a member of PAS with party positions at branch, division and state levels and had also contested in the 2004 general election as a PAS candidate. - TheStar

Wednesday, 19 February 2014

The above tweet messages from someone who claims to be a "liberal and democrat from birth' certainly speaks volumes of his state of mind and his faith.

Zaid's messages from the deep could have come in good faith or otherwise but the man can't possibly be a plant, especially that of the Barisan Nasional. If indeed he is one then the former Umno minister in Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's cabinet must be Anwar Ibrahim's cucumber.

Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Credit Suisse described Najib’s decision to hike price of fuel, sugar and electricity as a way to assess further cuts as a 'cunning' move by a government that needs to rein in its chronic budget deficit. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been warned against any major U-turn of his financial reform measures such as his government’s hesitation on the unpopular toll rate hike, as this may risk further downgrade on Malaysia’s debt rating, Credit Suisse has warned.

According to the financial services provider, more such reversals on austerity policies would only keep Malaysia under the spotlight of credit rating agencies, and cause foreign investors to flee the government bond market. “Rating agencies are watching PM Najib to assess his resolve in the unpopular, but critical policy of reducing the fiscal deficit.

The apparent U-turn on toll rate hikes is a red flag,” Credit Suisse warned in its daily report on Asia here. “A major U-turn could cause a rating downgrade. In a rising interest rate environment, foreign investors would then sell their huge bond holdings.” Credit Suisse described Najib’s decision to hike price of fuel, sugar and electricity as a way to assess further cuts as a “cunning” move by a government that needs to rein in its chronic budget deficit.

However, Najib’s cunning has been undermined by his fellow Umno member’s political opportunism, it said. It cited as example the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that Putrajaya will freeze toll rates in 2014. “Sadly, some within PM Najib’s party appear to have opted for very short-term gain, ignoring the logic and the long-term pain,” said Credit Suisse.

“Does PM Najib have the will to see this austerity through? The rating agencies are watching.” Should rating agencies downgrade Malaysia and foreign investors abandon government bonds, it predicted that Malaysia’s stock market and ringgit will collapse, in a worst-case scenario.

Despite that, the report said it was merely highlighting a risk, and it was not Credit Suisse’s house view.

Putrajaya has embarked on a series of subsidy cuts starting from September last year, which included an increase in fuel pump price, sugar, and electricity tariffs.

The price hikes however has caused public anger, which culminated in an anti-price hike rally attended by tens of thousands of Malaysians on the New Year’s Eve. - The Malay Mail

Going through the above article reminds me of the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis and how we were basically held at ransom by the speculators, financial service providers, rating agencies, the IMF, World Bank and a host of other daylight robbers who had an eye not only on our assets but also the Prime Minister's seat in Putrajaya.

During the crisis of 1997/98 those band of robbers had a lackey embedded deep or rather very high up in our administration that he almost made us bankrupt overnight. Many a businessman couldn't possibly have forgotten the atrocious interest rate hikes which killed and/or paralyzed many. Some are still living with those scars today.

It was a similar scene when those institutionalised robbers were imposing all kinds of reforms, threats, warnings and red flags. The lackey did briefly lead us along the path of destruction until the timely intervention of the then Prime Minister and his able financial advisors.

The lackey was in the Government then but his immoral venture was cut short and he was thrown out of the Government for his other equally immoral traits.

We faced the financial crisis in our own way and prevailed without having to squeeze our people of their blood, by hiking interest rates, drastically removing subsidies and embrace unbridled 'reforms'.

Do we now have a similar lackey or a band of lackeys who are dispensing the IMF-like bitter pills to the Government without any real regard to situation on the ground?

Who are the lackeys and what is it that they're eyeing for this time around?

p/s Credit Suisse should first make up their mind if the 'red flag' is indeed their report or NOT before issuing such IMF-like warnings that smacks another financial conspiracy. Credit Suisse' professionalism is certainly going further down the drain.

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Credit Suisse described Najib’s decision to hike price of fuel, sugar and electricity as a way to assess further cuts as a 'cunning' move by a government that needs to rein in its chronic budget deficit. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been warned against any major U-turn of his financial reform measures such as his government’s hesitation on the unpopular toll rate hike, as this may risk further downgrade on Malaysia’s debt rating, Credit Suisse has warned.

According to the financial services provider, more such reversals on austerity policies would only keep Malaysia under the spotlight of credit rating agencies, and cause foreign investors to flee the government bond market.

“Rating agencies are watching PM Najib to assess his resolve in the unpopular, but critical policy of reducing the fiscal deficit. The apparent U-turn on toll rate hikes is a red flag,” Credit Suisse warned in its daily report on Asia here.

“A major U-turn could cause a rating downgrade. In a rising interest rate environment, foreign investors would then sell their huge bond holdings.”

Credit Suisse described Najib’s decision to hike price of fuel, sugar and electricity as a way to assess further cuts as a “cunning” move by a government that needs to rein in its chronic budget deficit.

However, Najib’s cunning has been undermined by his fellow Umno member’s political opportunism, it said.

It cited as example the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that Putrajaya will freeze toll rates in 2014.

“Sadly, some within PM Najib’s party appear to have opted for very short-term gain, ignoring the logic and the long-term pain,” said Credit Suisse.

“Does PM Najib have the will to see this austerity through? The rating agencies are watching.”

Should rating agencies downgrade Malaysia and foreign investors abandon government bonds, it predicted that Malaysia’s stock market and ringgit will collapse, in a worst-case scenario.

Despite that, the report said it was merely highlighting a risk, and it was not Credit Suisse’s house view.

Putrajaya has embarked on a series of subsidy cuts starting from September last year, which included an increase in fuel pump price, sugar, and electricity tariffs.

The price hikes however has caused public anger, which culminated in an anti-price hike rally attended by tens of thousands of Malaysians on the New Year’s Eve. - The Malay Mail

Going through the above article reminds me of the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis and how we were basically held at ransom by the speculators, financial service providers, rating agencies, the IMF, World Bank and a host of other daylight robbers who had an eye not only on our assets but also the Prime Minister's seat in Putrajaya. During the crisis of 1997/98 those band of robbers had a lackey embedded deep or rather very high up in our administration that he almost made us bankrupt overnight. Many a businessman couldn't possibly have forgotten the atrocious interest rate hikes which killed and/or paralyzed many. Some are still living with those scars today. It was a similar scene when those institutionalised robbers were imposing all kinds of reforms, threats, warnings and red flags. The lackey did briefly lead us along the path of destruction until the timely intervention of the then Prime Minister and his able financial advisors. The lackey was in the Government then but his immoral venture was cut short and he was thrown out of the Government for his other equally immoral traits. We faced the financial crisis in our own way and prevailed without having to squeeze our people of their blood, by hiking interest rates, drastically removing subsidies and embrace unbridled 'reforms'. Do we now have a similar lackey or a band of lackeys who are dispensing the IMF-like bitter pills to the Government without any real regard to situation on the ground? Who are the lackeys and what is it that they're eyeing for this time around?

p/s Credit Suisse should first make up their mind if the 'red flag' is indeed their report or NOT before issuing such IMF-like warnings that smacks another financial conspiracy. Credit Suisse' professionalism is certainly going further down the drain.

Monday, 10 February 2014

A recent report finds France, Uruguay and Malaysia rank as the top three countries that provide the best and most affordable healthcare in the world.

1

France comes in first, finds InternationalLiving.com’s annual Global Retirement Index. This is because many French healthcare professionals in major cities speak English, and France has both public and private-sector healthcare. The public healthcare system is available to those who pay, or used to pay, into France’s Social Security system. This system offers excellent benefits, paying the bulk of the cost for a range of medical services that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays and prescription medications.

2

The private healthcare industry in Uruguay, which comes in second, consists of a number of independently operated healthcare organizations. They vary in size from a single clinic to networks of hospitals and clinics.

“The most popular private healthcare option in Uruguay is a ‘hospital plan,’ whereby you make monthly payments directly to an individual hospital or network that provides your care; everything from routine check ups to major surgery. The cost is extremely low compared to private healthcare options in the U.S.,” says David Hammond, InternationalLiving.com’s Uruguay correspondent.

In addition to hospital plans, there are private health insurance companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Uruguay, that provide a broad range of insurance plans.

Malaysia placed third. It has gained fame as a medical-tourism destination as its healthcare is among the best and cheapest in the world. Medical expertise here is equal to or better than what it is in most Western countries.

“At this time, foreigners cannot access the public healthcare system here, but the low cost of healthcare and the range of health insurance options, means that paying for healthcare is no hardship,” says InternationalLiving.com’s Asia correspondent, Keith Hockton.

“Healthcare costs are so low that you can pay out of pocket for many standard procedures. A regular doctor’s visit costs $16 and a dental check-up costs $9,” he adds. - ADVISOR.CA

Sunday, 9 February 2014

A recent report finds France, Uruguay and Malaysia rank as the top three countries that provide the best and most affordable healthcare in the world.

1

France comes in first, finds InternationalLiving.com’s annual Global Retirement Index. This is because many French healthcare professionals in major cities speak English, and France has both public and private-sector healthcare. The public healthcare system is available to those who pay, or used to pay, into France’s Social Security system. This system offers excellent benefits, paying the bulk of the cost for a range of medical services that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays and prescription medications.

2

The private healthcare industry in Uruguay, which comes in second, consists of a number of independently operated healthcare organizations. They vary in size from a single clinic to networks of hospitals and clinics.

“The most popular private healthcare option in Uruguay is a ‘hospital plan,’ whereby you make monthly payments directly to an individual hospital or network that provides your care; everything from routine check ups to major surgery. The cost is extremely low compared to private healthcare options in the U.S.,” says David Hammond, InternationalLiving.com’s Uruguay correspondent.

In addition to hospital plans, there are private health insurance companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Uruguay, that provide a broad range of insurance plans.

Malaysia placed third. It has gained fame as a medical-tourism destination as its healthcare is among the best and cheapest in the world. Medical expertise here is equal to or better than what it is in most Western countries.

“At this time, foreigners cannot access the public healthcare system here, but the low cost of healthcare and the range of health insurance options, means that paying for healthcare is no hardship,” says InternationalLiving.com’s Asia correspondent, Keith Hockton.

“Healthcare costs are so low that you can pay out of pocket for many standard procedures. A regular doctor’s visit costs $16 and a dental check-up costs $9,” he adds. - ADVISOR.CA

Friday, 7 February 2014

Once again the rumour mill appears to be on overdrive, discussing Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud's impending resignation as Chief Minister of Sarawak. The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu president and state Barisan Nasional chairman is said to be wanting to step down and that he had called for a meeting to discuss this with both his party leaders and the bigger BN family in Sarawak.

Pehin Sri Taib will turn 78 on next May 21. He is still as fit as a fiddle and enjoys a razor sharp mind. While his detractors are busy with their politics and polemics, Taib has been busy charting the future of Sarawak.

The success of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and its spinoffs, both economic and social, is top most in his list of priorities.

Who succeeds the grand old man has always been a concern among Malaysians because Taib's shoes are too big to be filled by just any other politician.

Abdul Taib Mahmud is to Sarawak like what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to Malaysia.

Many have learned, some the hard way, that it is impossible to dictate or read Taib. His focus and greatest concern is how best to ensure peace, stability and the prosperity of Sarawak.

Certainly there are untold fears that the current racial-religious polemics, especially the brand of politics of hatred in the peninsula, could threaten the social fabric of the truly multiracial/multiethnic/multireligious 1Malaysia society of Sarawak.

Taib is not a populist by any means but an old school politician who believes in discipline and loyalty. He has served all the Prime Ministers of this country, managing a cordial trustworthy relationship even at the worse of times.

Sarawak could be the richest and the best managed state in the country but Taib doesn't flaunt the state coffers with handouts for political patronage. Ask any of his party leaders and members and they will relate to you the level of discipline in PBB.

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Once again the rumour mill appears to be on overdrive, discussing Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud's impending resignation as Chief Minister of Sarawak. The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu president and state Barisan Nasional chairman is said to be wanting to step down and that he had called for a meeting to discuss this with both his party leaders and the bigger BN family in Sarawak.

Pehin Sri Taib will turn 78 on next May 21. He is still as fit as a fiddle and enjoys a razor sharp mind. While his detractors are busy with their politics and polemics, Taib has been busy charting the future of Sarawak.

The success of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and its spinoffs, both economic and social, is top most in his list of priorities.

Who succeeds the grand old man has always been a concern among Malaysians because Taib's shoes are too big to be filled by just any other politician.

Abdul Taib Mahmud is to Sarawak like what Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to Malaysia.

Many have learned, some the hard way, that it is impossible to dictate or read Taib. His focus and greatest concern is how best to ensure peace, stability and the prosperity of Sarawak.

Certainly there are untold fears that the current racial-religious polemics, especially the brand of politics of hatred in the peninsula, could threaten the social fabric of the truly multiracial/multiethnic/multireligious 1Malaysia society of Sarawak.

Taib is not a populist by any means but an old school politician who believes in discipline and loyalty. He has served all the Prime Ministers of this country, managing a cordial trustworthy relationship even at the worse of times.

Sarawak could be the richest and the best managed state in the country but Taib doesn't flaunt the state coffers with handouts for political patronage. Ask any of his party leaders and members and they will relate to you the level of discipline in PBB.

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

It has been brought to my attention that the 'resignation letter' purportedly sent by YB Kesavan is fake. Kesavan has denied sending the letter.I hope YB Kesavan will step forward to explain this 'fake' letter soon. We want to know if:1. The letter is indeed fake; or2. Is it a genuine letter with Kesavan's original signature but was 'leaked' to the State Assembly Speaker by persons known to the YB?Please clarify YB!Earlier posting:Hutan Melintang state assemblyman YB Kesavan has QUIT (w.e.f 2nd Feb 2014) from PKR. His notification was received by the Perak state Speaker's Office earlier today.

I was told that a few more Pakatan Rakyat Members of Parliament and State Assemblyman are expected to follow suit and become independent elected representatives following PKR's dirty politics in Kajang.

Well, guess its normal for those who have some form of self respect to walk away when you (the party and leadership) don't walk the talk.

It has been brought to my attention that the 'resignation letter' purportedly sent by YB Kesavan is fake. Kesavan has denied sending the letter.I hope YB Kesavan will step forward to explain this 'fake' letter soon. We want to know if:1. The letter is indeed fake; or2. Is it a genuine letter with Kesavan's original signature but was 'leaked' to the State Assembly Speaker by persons known to the YB?Please clarify YB!Earlier posting:Hutan Melintang state assemblyman YB Kesavan has QUIT (w.e.f 2nd Feb 2014) from PKR. His notification was received by the Perak state Speaker's Office earlier today.

I was told that a few more Pakatan Rakyat Members of Parliament and State Assemblyman are expected to follow suit and become independent elected representatives following PKR's dirty politics in Kajang.

Well, guess its normal for those who have some form of self respect to walk away when you (the party and leadership) don't walk the talk.